Perth

There has been some discussion on opening accounts in these banks from overseas that can then be transfered upon arrival in the UK, but we are still having a hard time deciding which would be better in terms of ease of use. We are interested in opening a premier account. Appreciate any input.

lf1

We opened a Premier account several years ago before leaving Canada. I am still using it today and find it very convenient for transferring funds from Cdn $ to GBP and regular day to day banking. Plan to keep it in place to manage my Cdn pension, when the time comes.

Novocastrian

Same here. I opened an HSBC Canada Premier account back in 2007 so as to be able to then open one in France where we were in the process of buying a second home. Later, in 2014, I opened a third account in the UK.

I use all three regularly and can seamlessly and instantaneously transfer funds between them online.

Perth

Thank you both

HKG3

If you are going to stay in Scotland, then go for Lloyds. Lloyds account holders can use the Bank of Scotland for their day-to-day transactions. HSBC does not have a big branch network in Scotland.

Victor Meldrew

We transferred all of our banking from Halifax to HSBC as we found them to be much more expat friendly (ie realistic and sensible)

Novocastrian

You miss the point. When Perth mentioned Lloyds she meant a Lloyds Offshore account, like the one that robin1234 has. She needs an account she can open from (I think) the US.

robin seems to be flying under the radar, but these accounts can't (at least in principle) be held after you become a UK resident.

Perth

[QUOTE=Novocastrian;11909536]You miss the point. When Perth mentioned Lloyds she meant a Lloyds Offshore account, like the one that robin1234 has. She needs an account she can open from (I think) the US.

Yes, quite.

I think robin is the only one to have mentioned Lloyds in the past.

OH is looking over both websites, but so far HSBC seems to be more suitable.

Perth

Expat friendly works for us

brits1

Hi, We opened our UK HSBC account while living in Perth W.A, we transferred money quite often for nearly 18 months before we moved back to the UK, we still use the account(its our main account) and are very happy with HSBC.

verystormy

Will just say that we had no issues opening a bank account back in the UK. We went with Halifax and they were very easy. Had to be done in branch, but had our cards and even an agreed overdraft within a day.

Victor Meldrew

I was with Halifax for over 20 years until they were taken over by Lloyds TSB.

I think they are fine if you are only ever going to be using them in UK. They aren't very good if you intend to do some or all of your banking from overseas.

When I sold my last UK house and needed a new mortgage with them, they wouldn't give me one as they 'don't do any more expat mortgages since we were taken over by Lloyds'

Luckily HSBC stepped in and sorted it no problem.

It was a shame as I like to stay loyal to a brand if they do a good job.

Perth

We do intend on doing transactions between the US and the UK, so would prefer it to be as easy and inexpensive as possible.

feelbritish

We have had accounts with HSBC in UK and Canada (Premier) for years and find it the easiest way to deal with transferring money and general day to day service. OH banks online plus we have a lovely branch in our small town which luckily they have not closed. I can recommend them.

Perth

Well, I think I can say case closed! Thanks everyone